Health Care Proxy
Information for Patients and Families
What is a Health Care Proxy?
A Health Care Proxy document is a legal document that names a person that you trust to make health care decisions when you are unable to speak for yourself. A Health Care Directive also allows you to give another person power to make decisions for you in a situation where you are unable to make them yourself.
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Physicians are not obligated to search for a signed Health Care Directive, therefore, it is important your Health Care Provider, family, friends and proxy know you have a Health Care Directive and where it can be found.
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How do I identify who my Health Care Proxy is?
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A Health Care Proxy is someone you name typically in your Health Care Directive. A Health Care Directive should be created with the support of your Primary Care Provider or Health Care Team to ensure your goals of care and wishes are clearly stated.
Communicating who my Health Care Proxy is...
By completing a Health Care Directive, you have the opportunity to name someone to be your Health Care Proxy. You do not need a lawyer to appoint your Health Care Proxy. However, if you have a lawyer or Primary Care Provider, you should let them know about your directive and that you have appointed a proxy.
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What Should I Discuss with My Health Care Proxy?
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You should ensure your Health Care Proxy information is up to date and you have discussions about:
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What you hope to have happen regarding your health care.
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Discuss your values, beliefs and personal goals so they are able to make decisions that are in your best interest.
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Consider giving certain directions in certain situations such as; end-of-life care, life-prolonging treatments or organ donation.
Questions to Consider When Deciding Your Health Care Proxy
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Will they make decisions that follow your wishes?
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Will they be comfortable with making quick decisions?
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Do they know my moral and religious beliefs?
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Will they be able to handle conflicting opinions from family and health care providers?
Health Care Proxy FAQ
Why should I choose a Health Care Proxy?
If you are unable to communicate your wishes for health care decisions someone must make them for you. Health care professionals look to family and loved ones to find out your values, wishes and goals for treatment and care. Appointing a Health Care Proxy allows you to ensure your medical goals of care are carried out even when you are not able to communicate them yourself.
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How do I choose my Health Care Proxy?
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Being a Health Care Proxy is a big responsibility. A Health Care Proxy should be a trusted family member or friend. You should be comfortable to speak to them openly and frankly about your wishes, values, religious beliefs and goals. Appointing two Health Care Proxies allows for a back up in case one is not available when needed. If two proxies are designated you need to decide if they will be acting consecutively or jointly as a team.
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When will my Health Care Proxy begin to make decisions for me?
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A Health Care Proxy will only begin to make decisions for you when you are not able to communicate or speak for yourself. Having an open and frank conversation with your Health Care Proxy will ensure they are in the best position to make health care decisions for you. As long as you are able to make health care decisions for yourself, you will have the right to do so.